Baseball History Rewind: Shocking Deaths, Epic Home Runs & Jeter's Record!
Baseball history is full of incredible moments, from tragic events to record-breaking achievements. Let's take a look back at some key dates in baseball history.
A Day of Tragedy: The Death of Ray Chapman
In 1920, Cleveland Indians shortstop Ray Chapman suffered a fractured skull after being hit by a pitch from New York's Carl Mays. Tragically, Chapman died the next day, marking the only on-field fatality in major league history. This event led to changes in baseball safety regulations.
Ruth's Roof-Clearing Homer & Other Power Displays
1927 saw Babe Ruth make history by becoming the first player to clear the roof at Comiskey Park with a home run against the White Sox. Years later, in 1947, Ralph Kiner of the Pittsburgh Pirates hit three consecutive home runs, a first for a Pirates player. Hank Thompson also had a notable power display in 1950, hitting two inside-the-park home runs for the Giants.
Jeter's Milestone & Other Memorable Moments
In 2009, Derek Jeter etched his name further into baseball lore. He achieved his 2,674th hit as a shortstop with an RBI double off Seattle’s Doug Fister. This hit surpassed Luis Aparicio’s all-time leading total for hits at the shortstop position. This was a significant milestone in Jeter's illustrious career.
MLB Goes International
1996 marked a historic moment as MLB played its first regular-season game outside the United States or Canada. The San Diego Padres defeated the New York Mets in Monterrey, Mexico, in front of a large crowd.
Other notable moments:
- 1967: Jim Maloney's near no-hitter for the Reds
- 1987: Tim Raines hitting for the cycle for the Expos
- 1987: Darryl Strawberry's extra-base hit barrage for the Mets
- 1989: Tom Drees pitching his third no-hitter of the season in AAA